Case involving county commissioner could take up to a month

The investigation centering around a Montezuma County commissioner and his property won't reveal any findings for several weeks.

The investigation into Larrie Rule and the property he owns with his wife, Pat DeGagne-Rule, is becoming more complex, the Colorado State Patrol is reporting.

Sgt. Mike Baker with the CSP public affairs unit, said on Tuesday afternoon that based on the scope and scale of the investigation as it progresses, it appears a more in-depth investigation is required.

Baker said anything released could jeopardize the investigation and estimated that the CSP would not release more information or findings for possibly 30 days.

Baker said earlier that the investigation is focused on possible auto thefts. A state task force - Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement - is leading the case, Baker said.

He said it is not uncommon for search warrants and investigations involving auto thefts to be a time-consuming process. He said that the investigation involves multiple agencies including city, county and the state.

Several law enforcement agencies, led by the Colorado State Patrol, conducted searches over a three-day period, starting Wednesday Dec. 12 at the Rules' home at 26184 Road L just north of Cortez.

The property also serves as the home-based business location for Rule Trucking.

Witnesses reported counting as many as 13 law enforcement vehicles at the property last week.

A witness said it appeared that two cement mixer vehicles were confiscated and driven away.

Larrie Rule has served on the county commission for the past eight years and was not up for re-election in November due to term limits. His last day in office is Jan. 7.